Ogbonna: I’m no Torino traitor

Angelo Ogbonna maintains that he is no traitor after leaving Torino for city rivals Juventus. “I’m a professional.”

The centre-back has joined the Old Lady on a five-year contract after a €13m fee was agreed between the two Turin sides.

“I always look to the present and future,” the Granata youth product stated at his official unveiling on Tuesday.

“I don’t consider myself as a traitor because I have always underlined that we players are professionals. My heart belongs to football and football is played in all parts of the world.

“I think every player has ambitions of playing at the highest levels. My choice is not because I wanted to betray anybody, it was made because I’m ambitious.

“The derby? It will be important, but I have never pulled out of a challenge. Behind my passion is the desire to cause all opponents problems.”

The stopper has been linked with a variety of clubs over the last 24 months, but only one made a concrete move for him.

“The only club who strongly wanted me were Juventus. There were no others,” he admitted.

“But I’m very proud because Juventus are one of the greatest clubs in Italy and the world. It was an opportunity that I immediately accepted. It is a chance for me to grow.

“I’ve settled in relatively well because I already knew quite a lot of my teammates. Living in the same city makes things easier too.”

Ogbonna will have to fight for a first team shirt at Juve, something which may cost him a place at the 2014 World Cup should he not become a regular.

“I haven’t spoken to Italy boss Cesare Prandelli, but I have no fear about missing Brazil 2014 otherwise I wouldn’t be here.

“Let’s wait and see what happens with time and hard work.”

Well Said AngeLo!